Liz DeYoung, MS, LPC (she/her)

Kids (3-10), Adolescents (10-18), College, Young Adults, Adults Parents, Families

Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, ADHD, ADD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Trauma, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Bullying, Disordered Eating, Stressful Life Transitions, Troublesome Childhoods, Women’s Issues, Relationship Stress, Executive Functioning, Grief

Hi there! My name is Liz and I’m so excited to get to know you. Starting therapy is a big step and I’m so proud of you for showing up for yourself! A good relationship between you and your therapist can be one of the most healing parts of therapy. To help you feel comfortable that we would be a good fit, here's a little bit about me.

I grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University for my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I’ve always loved the Chicagoland area. Whether it was shopping downtown during the holiday season or taking a train to the city during summer break - Chicago has always held a special place in my heart. It’s been a dream come true to finally call Chicago home.

While I was at Indiana University, I worked at an Early Education Center. I've always been drawn to the helping professions, but my life changed when I started working in early education and saw the impact I was able to have on the lives of young children and their families. I spent 8 hours a day teaching young kids how to express their emotions without shame and tools to become the brightest versions of themselves.

It inspired me to learn more about how the brain works and how our experiences mold how we move through the world as adults. I formed open, genuine connections with kids. The kids were able to learn healthy emotional expression and regulation. It sparked my passion for working with children and their families. I saw the importance of working with the family system to support not only kids-- but their siblings, parents and caregivers during life's challenges and traumatic experiences.

Being a therapist is where I can help people connect to their inner child and build a new safe, nonjudgmental space for them - one that they always deserved to have.

Before joining Inspire, I was an intern therapist at a nonprofit organization that provided services to a lower income community in southern Indiana. It focused on breaking down barriers to mental health services and reaching as many people as possible. Driven by a sense of community and connection, it created safe healing spaces for people through individual or family sessions, school-based programs, and community outreach.

As a therapist, I want to create a space that feels safe and grounding to you. This can look like so many different things! For example, in my own mental health journey I found that fiber arts and crafting (crocheting, knitting, collaging, etc) are activities that make me feel connected to my body and clears my anxious mind at the same time. With a clear head and settled sense in our bodies, we can sort through the noise and leave behind the parts that aren’t serving us anymore. It’s all about finding what makes you feel good!

If you choose to work with me, you’ll be met with open-hearted curiosity, genuineness, and kindness. Therapy can look like so many different things and I want to find the way that feels best to you. I love to bring activities and arts into the therapy session whether that is card games, coloring pages, craft projects, music, anything - I’m here for you!

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me. I’m so excited to hear your story.

Young Kids

Caring for children has been my forever passion project since I was young. Growing up, I loved being a big sister and was an enthusiastic babysitter. I've always been naturally drawn to understand the ways kids view the world, grow, and adapt through various life changes.

Young kids often process life changes and trauma in a very unique way, different than adults, as it can be difficult to recall memories or feelings.

Kids often process life and challenges through play and creative expression. Sometimes this process gets stuck and they need some extra support, especially when they're struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression or other mental health challenges.

In the therapy room, my goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for kids to have support in processing their emotions. Children generally have very little control over their life, circumstances, and daily schedule. My hope to help them gain a sense of control with their emotions and how they experience their world.

I also believe in the power of the family unit. In my clinical experience working with kids, I found a passion for working with the family system to make sure everyone in a child's life feels empowered, supported and connected.

If your child is in therapy with me, I want you to know that we are a team whose main goal is to help your child achieve all their goals in therapy.

Caregivers & Family Support

Whether you are caring for children (of all ages), aging parents, friends or extended family - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed and that you’re in over your head.

Taking care of yourself can feel like an extra task or burden you don't have time for.

You are the expert on your life and your family's life. I’m here to offer clinical tools, knowledge and support to help you navigate your kids and adolescents developmental and critical years.

Together we can work on improving communication with your kids, ADHD tips & tricks, ways to mend attachment wounds, and anything else that might be affecting your relationship with your kiddo.

Adolescents

Junior High and High School are challenging times of change. Kids are gain more freedom, access to technology all while navigating friendships, dating and relationships with coaches, teachers and siblings.

The pressure to succeed and stand out all while fitting in, is an enormous pressure that adolescents face in unprecedented ways today. When they are getting excluded or left out, they are able to watch live in real-time. Cyber bullying can be very sneaky and subtle, but can have a lasting impact on kids mental health and self worth.

I love helping teens to find their voice, celebrate what makes them unique all while navigating relationships and honoring others differences.

Life Transitions & Change

As someone who has always struggled with change and life transitions, I know how difficult it can be to navigate new situations while coping with anxious thoughts.

Growing up, I would always be up all night before the first day of school (even in college!) because I would be full of anxious thoughts and overthinking.

Over the years, I’ve developed my own ways of making space for healthy nervousness and positive mantras to remind myself of my strengths. One of my favorites is “think of all the exciting things that will come because of this change.” Together, we'll figure out what works for you so you can be ready for all the unexpected, scary, and exciting things life has to throw at you!

For Fun…

Outside of work, I love to explore the city by going to different museums, trying new food, and seeing live theatre.

I live right next to the lake, so in the summer I spend a lot of time going to the beach with my friends. I love trying new things so I’ve developed a lot of hobbies over the years.

I spend a lot of my down time knitting/crocheting, reading (my favorites are fantasy and romance books), and listening to my carefully curated playlists - which have a lot of Taylor Swift!

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]